Project of the week

England’s cloth industry was growing rapidly in the 18th century, spurred by inventions such as the flying shuttle, which dramatically increased the speed at which cloth could be woven from thread. The thread, though, was still produced by hand using ancient techniques. Then, in 1771, Richard Arkwright opened a five-storey mill to house an innovative spinning frame powered thanks to a large wheel by the fast-moving River Derwent.

Cromford Mills was the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill and Arkwright’s invention of the cotton spinning machine, known as the water frame, revolutionised the cotton industry, transforming it into one of large-scale factory production.

Today, Arkwright is remembered as the ‘Father of the Factory System’, one of the leading figures in the Industrial Revolution. It was his legacy that inspired the formation of the Arkwright Society, which purchased the Cromford Mills site in 1979 and set about a long-term plan to redevelop it as a multi-use heritage destination. Their work was recognised in 2001 when the Derwent Valley Mills were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Today, Grade I-listed Cromford Mills is home to workspaces, cafés, and shops, delivers a vibrant community activity programme, and welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year to learn about Arkwright’s legacy and the role the Derwent Valley played in shaping global history.

“Cromford Mills is a significant historic site credited with being the birthplace of the modern factory system. Thanks to the fabulous work of The Arkwright Society, the history of this iconic site is being kept alive for future generations. We are so pleased to have supported this project with a mix of grants and loans over the last five decades, and enjoy seeing it continue to thrive in its new use today.”

Asha Karbhari, Director of Investment at the Architectural Heritage Fund